rigidity
noun
ri·gid·i·ty
rə-ˈji-də-tē 
plural rigidities
1
: the quality or state of being rigid
2
: one that is rigid (as in form or conduct)
Synonyms
Examples of rigidity in a Sentence
sometimes the rigidity of the headmaster's discipline was deemed excessive by even much of the faculty
Recent Examples on the Web
The study revealed significant changes in the biomechanical properties of the astronauts' eyes, including a 33% drop in ocular rigidity, an 11% decrease in intraocular pressure, and a 25% reduction in ocular pulse amplitude.
—
Victoria Corless, Space.com, 5 Feb. 2025
The minerals provide bones with resistance, strength and rigidity, while protein gives them flexibility and resistance to fracture, Shankland said.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
Some of the best ready-to-wear suits on the market come from such brands, whose wholly distinctive points of view provide a welcome departure from the rigidity of many bespoke tailors’ house styles.
—Aleks Cvetkovic, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2025
Popular on Variety Frank is a by-the-book type whose rigidity is in part a battle against PTSD from the WW2 military service shown in heavy-handed flashbacks.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rigidity 
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Victoria Corless, Space.com, 5 Feb. 2025
The minerals provide bones with resistance, strength and rigidity, while protein gives them flexibility and resistance to fracture, Shankland said.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
Some of the best ready-to-wear suits on the market come from such brands, whose wholly distinctive points of view provide a welcome departure from the rigidity of many bespoke tailors’ house styles.
—Aleks Cvetkovic, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2025
Popular on Variety Frank is a by-the-book type whose rigidity is in part a battle against PTSD from the WW2 military service shown in heavy-handed flashbacks.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rigidity
Dictionary Entries Near rigidity
Cite this Entry
“Rigidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigidity. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
rigidity
noun
ri·gid·i·ty
rə-ˈjid-ət-ē
plural rigidities
: the quality or state of being rigid: as
a
: abnormal stiffness of muscle
muscle rigidity symptomatic of Parkinson's disease—Diane Gershon
Diane Gershon
b
: emotional inflexibility and resistance to change
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